A 10-month prison sentence was imposed by the Larissa Military Court to the soldier who refused to continue guarding a sentry just before he collapsed from overwork and returned to his quarters seeking his replacement.
The Free Fandara Network, «Spartacus», stresses in a statement that this is a «provocative decision», noting that «courts martial with Armed Forces officers as members is an anachronistic institution» and that «officers cannot decide on the imprisonment or not of their subordinates».
At the same time, «Spartacus» stresses that the fight continues, as there is a possibility of appeal.
In detail the announcement of Spartacus:
«In an express trial with many question marks, in which the bench actually prevented the defence and witnesses from developing their positions, the soldier from Larissa who refused to collapse on guard duty from overwork and was injured was convicted today by the city's military court.
This is a manifestly wrong decision that opens the door to any arbitrary action by anyone who wishes to endanger the lives of soldiers and their subordinates. We have explained why the cofantor is innocent in the text we quote:
Courts martial, with members who are officers of the Armed Forces, are an anachronistic institution that leads to more arbitrariness than the common courts and should therefore be abolished, as has happened in many countries.
Officers cannot decide on the imprisonment or not of their subordinates.
The Court of Appeal should consider the fallacy of the decision, its critical importance for the establishment of the rule of law in the Armed Forces and the voices of the democratic world in favour of the soldier's acquittal and overturn the decision.
The struggle continues.
We stand by the defendant and his family.
SPARTAKOS FREE SOLDIER NETWORK
SOLDIER SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE»
